When the sun goes down, and the scenic Wasatch Mountains and Quirrhh mountain ranges turn dark, Salt Lake City is still alive and pumping.
Whether you’re looking for tours or nightlife, one night won’t be enough to explore everything the capital of Utah offers.
But the good thing is, you don’t need to know all the activities or spots – just the best ones.
With this guide, I made it easy for you to pick whatever you’re in the mood for knowing all the things to do and places to have a repetition worth your while so any hesitation can be left by the door.
📖 Table of Contents
Must-Try Night Tours in Salt Lake City
🍺 The Original Salt Lake City Guided Brewery Tour & Dinner (+21)
If the idea of drinking beer combined with education is your thing, well, then look no further.
On this popular tour, your guide will take you behind the scenes, and teach you all about the history and process of brewing. All while visiting 4 different breweries and trying up to 16 unique beers.
There’s a reason this is one of Salt Lake City’s most popular tours. It’s the perfect mix of fun, education, food, and of course – plenty of beer.
So if you’re not already a beer expert, you’ll surely be after this tour.
Here’s what’s included:
- Starts at 5 pm (or 11 am)
- Duration of around 5 hours
- VIP tour of 4 different breweries
- 16 unique freshly-brewed beers
- A delicious beer-paired dinner
- Professional local guide
- Transportation back to the meeting point
✅ Secure your tickets now with Viator
👻 Haunted Old Town Tour
If horror stories in the dark are your thing, this tour is for you.
For a very affordable price, you get a ticket to the Ghost Tours bus, taking you to visit the most haunted locations in Salt Lake City. Where you’ll experience hauntings, mysteries, and other paranormal activities in an interactive fashion.
Many of these take place in the city’s oldest buildings, ensuring you a trip through time as well. Such as haunted mansions, cemeteries, train depots, and more.
Here’s what’s included:
- Starts at 7 pm
- Duration of around 1.5 hours
- Experience the city’s oldest buildings
- Interactive activities
- Professional guide
- Transportation back to the meeting point
✅ Secure your tickets now with Viator
Best Bars & Clubs in Salt Lake City
Let’s start by going through the absolute best bars and nightclubs the city has to offer.
Beerhive Pub
This is truly a beer lover’s paradise and one of the most popular bars in Salt Lake City.
With their selection of over 200 beers from all over the world, it would take more than half a year to try them all if you had one a day.
And their bar is unique. Besides the friendly beer enthusiastic staff, you’ll also have an ice plate to keep your beer cold without having to worry about a temperature drop.
While they make it easy to successfully quench your thirst, they also offer a wide variety of pub grub that matches their selection of drinks.
If you prefer perfectly cold high-quality beers in an authentic vintage atmosphere, this place is for you.
You’ll find the pub at 128 S Main St (Google Maps + Opening hours).
Piper Down Pub
At this vibrant pub originally built in 1920, you’ll find a great selection of pub grub, imported draft beers, and cocktails served in Irish settings.
They also have events several days a week including live bands, karaoke, and poker nights among others.
And if you feel like having some fresh air, their outdoor patio with a fire pit and overhead heaters will make sure you stay warm and comfy.
They’re also known for their grand selection of whiskey, and a shot list long enough to justify adding an estimated reading time.
If you’re looking for a lively pub that has everything one can desire, and where it’s hard to find an excuse to leave, this place is for you.
You’ll find the pub at 1492 S State St (Google Maps + Opening hours).
The Green Pig Pub
Besides being one of the most loved pubs the city has to offer, this place was also voted as the best sports bar in Salt Lake City in 2020 and 2021 consecutively.
They have 10 TVs with all the major sports packages to make sure you’re not missing out on any game.
And on their patio, you can enjoy a view of the mountains while enjoying your drinks and food.
If you’re in the mood you can also shoot a few games of pool. And if you’re a dog person, you’ll be happy knowing that your best four-legged friend(s) are welcome too.
If you’re looking for a lively sports bar with enough TVs for everyone, and everything else a great pub has to offer, this place is for you.
You’ll find the pub at 31 E 400 S (Google Maps + Opening hours).
Whiskey Street Cocktails & Dining
This popular and beloved cocktail bar is located in a historic building from the early 1900s.
Here you’ll find Utah’s largest collection of spirits with more than 150 Whiskeys. Along with a large wine list and even over 200 beers.
Not only does the selection of drinks live up to its name, but they also offer a comprehensive menu of foods and snacks.
And if you’re hungry consider trying their Bourbon Black Bean Buffalo Chili, which has been claimed as the country’s best by many.
If you’re looking for a place with quality food and an equal selection of drinks, this place is for you.
You’ll find the cocktail bar at 323 S Main St (Google Maps + Opening hours).
Lake Effect
It’s not very often your bartender has to use a latter to grab the bottles needed for mixing your cocktail.
This is not only due to their collection of over 100 wines, 150 beers, and spirits from all over the world. But also a sign of their pure dedication to the bartending profession.
To support this claim they also use locally sourced ingredients, to give you the freshest experience possible.
Besides the drinks, they also offer fine dining with a Mexican and Spanish influence. And if you’re keen on some live music, that’s what you’ll find here 7 days a week.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy fine dining, immaculately curated drinks, and live entertainment, this place is for you.
You’ll find the cocktail bar at 155 W 200 S (Google Maps + Opening hours).
Quarters Arcade Bar – Downtown
With a name that strives fear in most piggybanks, this popular arcade gives you the best opportunity to spend your quarters.
They offer a wide variety of vintage and modern games, along with high-end crafted cocktails and beers to make sure you’ll never get thirsty.
You’ll find an ATM right next to their changing machines, so you’ll have no problem relying on your credit card either.
While they don’t have a kitchen, you’ll find a vending machine and small snacks here. But don’t worry, you’re allowed to have food delivered to the bar if you’re that extra hungry.
If you fancy playing video games and enjoying high-quality drinks in a social environment, this place is for you.
You’ll find the bar at 5 E 400 S (Google Maps + Opening hours).
London Belle
At this famous supper club located in the very heart of the city Downtown, you’ll find bottle service providing nice champagnes, wine, and spirits.
Along with American cuisine made of high-quality products, assembled by their experienced chef Matthew Anderson with over 30 years of experience.
Among their choices of hand-crafted cocktails, you’ll find the cocktail of the month matching the current season adding to the experience.
On certain days there’s music along with a dancefloor. And if you’re in the mood for something cozy, consider getting a seat at their candlelit cave.
If you’re looking for a good glass of champagne, high-quality drinks, and fine dining in an intimate setting, this place is for you.
You’ll find the supper club at 321 Main St (Google Maps + Opening hours).
The RUIN
This popular cocktail bar provides high-quality drinks made with fresh ingredients and spirits in a dark and relaxed atmosphere.
And if you’ve never tried wine on tap, you also have the option to do so here.
Besides all the action happening at the bar, you can also occasionally experience live music adding to the vibes.
And if you get hungry you’ll also find plenty of sides, including vegan options.
If you’re looking for a cocktail bar specializing in high-quality cocktails and spirits, along with extraordinary service, this place is for you.
You’ll find the cocktail bar at 159 S Main St (Google Maps + Opening hours).
Alibi Bar & Place
This popular and fairly new cocktail bar first opened its doors in 2018. But despite Covid closing down the country shortly after, they still managed to rise to the top.
When you walk in you’ll be welcomed with plants, art, and a hip vibe, along with live music and a DJ on daily basis.
They specialize in high-quality cocktails made of fresh ingredients, wine, and local craft beers.
And if you’re hungry, they also offer light bar meals mainly consisting of chips and a wide variety of tasty dips.
If you’re looking for a laidback and funky atmosphere with live music, and high-quality cocktails among others, this place is for you.
You’ll find the cocktail bar at 369 S Main St (Google Maps + Opening hours).
Soundwell
Formerly known as Elevate, this music venue is where the big party is with a big emphasis on the music.
They’re known for their great sound system and to give a premium live music experience with a wide variety of artists and music genres.
Here you can experience live Hip-Hop, Rock, and EDM, just to name a few. You can see their upcoming events on their website.
Despite the concert settings, they also have a top-notch bar and seating if you’re in the need of a break from dancing.
If you’re looking for a club to dance at all night, with live artists and premium audio, this place is for you.
You’ll find the venue at 149 W 200 S (Google Maps + Opening hours).
The Exchange by Twist
This is one of the most beloved clubs in the city. And it’s versatile settings create opportunities for a great night out.
They also have a big priority on safety and inclusion to create a place where everyone feels welcome.
Depending on the night they have various shows, DJs, and other artists performing. You can see all the upcoming events on their Instagram.
Besides the most known and popular spirits, you’ll also find local craft beer at the bar if that’s your thing. And VIP packages if you’re in the mood for a premium experience.
If you’re looking for a club where you’ll feel particularly welcome, with great energy and a bit of everything, this place is for you.
You’ll find the club at 32 Exchange Pl (Google Maps + Opening hours).
Gracie’s
This gastropub doesn’t give you many excuses to leave. On their menu, you’ll find various American cuisine and cocktails, all served in a laid-back atmosphere.
Taking advantage of their outside patio is a great way to spend your night outside while enjoying a view of Downtown.
They also have TVs showing sports and live music if that’s what you’re in the mood for.
But if you intend on going on the weekend, make sure to make a reservation before 5 pm.
If you’re looking to spend most of your night outside enjoying food, drinks, and a good vibe, this place is for you.
You’ll find the bar at 326 S W Temple St (Google Maps + Opening hours).
Other Activities
Now that we’ve been through enough bars and clubs to justify a Ph.D. in Salt Lake City’s nightlife, let’s round everything up with alternatives.
Bowling at Delton Lanes
This is the city’s most popular bowling alley. It was established in 1958 and is a family business close to the local community.
Besides their bowling area, you’ll also find a café, sports lounge, and a room with arcade games and pool tables.
And if you have like a challenge, they have various bowling leagues every day of the week.
Notice that they have two locations in town. One closer to Downtown, and one southern in Riverton. Judging by their reviews they are equally loved and favored.
If you’re looking to challenge your family and friends in some games while enjoying some food and drinks, this place is for you.
You’ll find their bowling alley closer to Downtown at 3544 W 3500 S (Google Maps + Opening hours).
And their other one is a bit southern at 3693 S Meadow Spring Ln (Google Maps + Opening hours).
Wiseguys Comedy Club Downtown
This comedy club has been in business for over 20 years and is known as one of the best in the country.
It’s a familiar place to some of the most popular comedians such as Kathleen Madigan, Kevin Hart, and Tracy Morgan to name a few.
But still contributing to Utah’s growing comedy scene by welcoming new and upcoming talents too. You can see their upcoming events and buy tickets here.
They are also known for their intimate setup, friendly staff, and great audiences. And if you’re hungry they’re serving food and drinks as well.
If you’re looking for a night with some good laughs or just a positive mental booster to start it with, this place is for you.
You’ll find the comedy club at 190 400 W (Google Maps + Opening hours).
Watch a Movie at Brewvies Cinema Pub
Some would argue that the only thing better than a pub is a cinema with a pub. And the popularity of this place supports this claim.
Here you can watch everything from new releases to indie films and events. And enjoy pub grub, craft beers, and other drinks.
You can see their upcoming schedule and book tickets on their website.
They also have plenty of pool tables, a jukebox, and an outdoor patio if you feel like grabbing some fresh air.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing night out or taking a movie night to a new level, this place is for you.
You’ll find the cinema bar at 677 S 200 W (Google Maps + Opening hours).
Best Nightlife Spots & Activities in Salt Lake City (Map)
- Beerhive Pub
- Piper Down Pub
- The Green Pig Pub
- Whiskey Street Cocktails & Dining
- Lake Effect
- Quarters Arcade Bar – Downtown
- London Belle
- The RUIN
- Alibi Bar & Place
- Soundwell
- The Exchange by Twist
- Gracies
- Delton Lanes (closer to Downtown)
- Delton Lanes
- Wiseguys Comedy Club
- Brewvies Cinema Pub
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